Crazy weekend again. Short chapter again. Sorry for that :)
After a few days at the port, Nicky had regained enough straight to travel again. Joe had also joked that he was already regaining weight.
They had decided to travel east while avoiding any more big cities in their way. The more time they would spend apart from other people, the more time they could spend together. It had already been hard to hide their affections in front of the fishermen. They were walking around like some young premature versions of themselves, always trying to get the other one's attention and distancing the other one from work.
They were happy, and they wanted to stay happy.
On their way they passed along enormous mountains sides. These mountains seemed to grow into the sky, an end, if they had any, always hidden under clouds. They didn't have to cross any more water, thank god. Joe had told Nicky if there was any more water to cross, they would walk around it, no way he would step foot on a ship again. No matter how much time it would cost. They walked across steppes, trough gras like they have never seen before. Seeing animals neither of them had ever laid eyes on.
Somewhere along the way Joe had spotted small light brown fox. The little guy had followed them for hours, spying on them before walking into their camp by nightfall. Under Joe's protest, Nicky had given him a small bit to eat. The fox had quickly grabbed the fish and disappeared into the bushes. As both men laughed, the fox came back, running its back against Nicky and Joe. That night, the 3 of them were sharing a fire.
In the morning, as Joe woke up. He lifted his head, but the fox was nowhere to be seen. Joe lay down again, holding Nicky close and breathing in his sent. Nicky woke up, feeling Joe's breath against the short hair on his neck.
'Morning' he sighed, taking Joe's hand into his and kissing his chuckles.
Joe kissed him on the ear-shell, 'Morning habibi. I fear our little friend had left us.' Nicky had loved the nickname since the beginning. Every time Joe used it, a warm feeling spread in Nicky's chest.
Nicky looked around, he sat up. 'Really?' he seemed a bit disappointed.
Joe sat up behind him, his hands-on Nicky's hips, kissing his way up Nicky's neck. He felt his lover shiver.
'I'm sure he's back to his family, where he belongs.' Joe said.
'Wouldn't want you to get jealous anyway', Nicky smirked, pulling Joe in for a kiss.
They continued their journey in the afternoon, spending the whole morning getting lost in each other. Their visions started to get clearer, less shreds from unlinked events but more complete scenes and surroundings. As the flora and fauna around them changed, so did the people. They were leaving the Arabic world into an unknown where neither could speak the language and both men immediately stood out. But they knew it deep inside of them: every step they took was a step closer to their destination.